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Expert Guide to the Marquise Cut Diamond
The marquise cut diamond has become extremely popular in recent years, especially among celebrities. In this expert guide, renowned jeweler and author Afshin Shaddaie explains everything you need to know about this diamond shape.
What is a Marquise Cut Diamond?
The marquise cut diamond is a diamond cut that is shaped like an elongated boat-shape with pointed ends. Its faceting pattern follows the brilliant-cut diamond system and it showcases 58 facets.
The marquise cut shape was invented in France during the 18th-century. It was said to be inspired by the smile of King Louis XV’s mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour.
Additionally, the marquise diamond is very popular because its design and spready shape helps the stone appear much larger than its actual carat weight.
In recent years, the marquise cut diamond has surged in popularity. Its vintage charm and its flattering shape makes it a very popular choice for those who want something both classic and unique. It has also become very popular among celebrities.
Pros and Cons of Marquise Cut Diamonds
Pros: The marquise cut diamond offers several standout benefits that make it a favorite among modern buyers. Its elongated shape creates the illusion of a larger stone. This is especially popular in the American market because you’ll get more visual size without paying for extra carat weight.
The marquise cut also works beautifully in a wide range of settings, both vintage and modern.
Additionally, its unique shape flatters the finger by making it appear longer and slimmer, and when well-cut, the diamond delivers brilliant sparkle from every angle.
Cons: Marquise-cut diamonds have a few quirks that are worth considering before buying. Firstly, although an extremely rare occurrence, because of their pointed tips, the marquise is vulnerable to damage when not set properly. For this reason it’s important to choose a setting that offers good protection, like a bezel or V-prongs.
Another thing to watch out for is the “bow-tie effect”, which can cast doubled dark shadows across the center of the diamond. While a faint bow-tie can add a bit of positive dimension, a heavy one will dull the sparkle.
Finally, symmetry matters a lot with this cut. If the stone isn’t well-balanced, it can end up looking weird or losing its brilliance, so make sure the proportions are just right.
Editor’s Note: In recent years, there’s been high demand for the marquise-cut diamond, especially the vintage variation.
How Much Does a Marquise Diamond Cost?
The cost of a marquise-cut diamond can vary quite a bit, depending on factors like carat size, cut, color, and clarity. While the pricing ranges listed below give a helpful ballpark, it’s worth knowing that marquise diamonds, especially high-quality or vintage ones, aren’t as easy to find these days. That limited availability can drive up the price beyond typical estimates.
Additionally, there is a premium on elongated marquise’s and so if you manage to find a store selling one, they’ll probably ask more than the market value.
Take a look at the table below for a general breakdown of what marquise-cut diamonds are currently selling for across different sizes and quality grades. Updated in 2025.
| Carat Weight | D Color, IF Clarity | J Color, VS2 Clarity |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Carat Marquise | $11,100 | $3,600 |
| 2-Carat Marquise | $24,800 | $8,100 |
| 3-Carat Marquise | $47,900 | $13,300 |
| 4-Carat Marquise | $58,900 | $17,000 |
| 5-Carat Marquise | $85,800 | $20,400 |
These prices are just a general guideline. It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare before making a decision to make sure you’re getting the most for your money.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Marquise Cut Diamond
I reached out to gemologist Benjamin Khordipour G.D. to learn his top advice for those shopping for marquise cut diamonds. Here’s his best tips.
- Strong Symmetry. This is an important tip. Make sure both pointed ends line up perfectly. Poor symmetry will make the diamond appear lopsided or off-center, and it is easily noticeable from afar.
- Bow-Tie Effect. Almost all marquise cut diamonds will have a bow-tie a shadow inside the gemstone. That being said, try to find marquise diamonds where the bow-tie is minimal and doesn’t distract from the brilliance.
- Protective Setting. Because the pointed tips of the marquise-cut are vulnerable to chipping, make sure that you choose a setting with secure prongs or bezels to ensure that the diamond remains safe.
- Depth Percentages. For the best light return and sparkle, aim for a depth percentage between 58% and 62%. Unless you’re a diamond expert, you will need a certificate to discover the diamond’s depth.
- Balanced Length-to-Width Ratio. Try to find a diamond with a ratio between 1.75 and 2.25 in order to get the ultimate marquise silhouette. While this is a general guideline for most shoppers, your personal style may differ from this.
- Pay Attention to Color. Color can be more noticeable near the tips of a marquise. Consider J color or better to maintain an overall bright appearance.
- Eye-Clean Clarity. Inclusions near the center or tips can be distracting. For marquise cuts, it’s best to stay at SI2 clarity or higher to ensure the stone looks clean to the naked eye.
- Research the Jeweler. Read customer reviews and ratings to make sure you’re buying from a trusted jeweler.
- Ask About Discounts. Negotiating respectfully will often lead to real savings, especially when buying from a family-owned jeweler.
- Match the Proportions to the Hand. The elongated shape of a marquise diamond flatters most fingers, but selecting the right length-to-width ratio for the wearer’s hand is something to consider.
As a final note and to quote Michael Khordipour, “The best tip when shopping for marquise diamond is to ensure that you’re comfortable with its shape. If you aren’t loving the shape, find another diamond.”
Shop Marquise Cut Diamonds
Feel free to browse our collection of stunning marquise rings, including Edwardian marquise diamond rings and Art Deco marquise rings.
Marquise Cut vs. Other Diamond Shapes
In addition to its beauty, the marquise cut diamond has a positive reputation for its ability to look larger than its actual carat weight, making it an excellent choice for those wanting maximum visual impact.
“The slender but tall shape of the marquise cut give its an appearance of being much larger than its actual carat weight,” says Benjamin Khordipour G.D. “Many of my customers are shocked when they’re comparing the marquise to other diamond cuts in our showroom.”
| Diamond Shape | Appearance Size | Brilliance |
|---|---|---|
| Marquise | Largest per carat | High (with bow-tie) |
| Round | Standard | Highest |
| Oval | Slightly larger | High |
| Cushion | Standard | High (softer sparkle) |
| Asscher | Smaller | Moderate (step-cut) |
| Emerald | Smaller | Moderate (step-cut) |
| Princess | Medium | High |
“With marquise-cut diamonds, symmetry and proportion aren’t just details. They’re what separate an average stone from an exceptional one.” Benjamin Khordipour, G.D.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do marquise diamonds look larger than other cuts of the same carat weight?
Marquise diamonds appear larger because of their elongated shape, which maximizes surface area. This gives them a bold, dramatic look without the added cost of a higher carat weight.
What’s the difference between natural and lab-grown marquise diamonds?
Natural marquise diamonds offer lasting value, rarity, and emotional significance. Lab-grown diamonds may be cheaper upfront but have little to no resale value and lack the long-term appeal of natural stones. We strongly advise against lab-grown options.
Can I pair a marquise diamond with colored gemstones or accents?
Yes, marquise diamonds look beautiful together with gemstones, especially sapphires or rubies (and onyx). They also pair really nicely with accent diamonds or halo settings.
Will a marquise diamond retain its value?
Natural marquise diamonds hold their value at about the same rate as other-shaped natural diamonds, especially when they have strong color and high clarity grades. In today’s markets, with marquise diamonds being very sought after, they often sell for a premium above other diamond cuts.
Is it possible to negotiate the price of a marquise diamond?
Yes. Many jewelers, especially family-owned businesses like Estate Diamond Jewelry, will open to let you negotiate on the price. Read more for tips for negotiating with your jeweler.
Can marquise diamonds be used in modern rings and earrings?
Absolutely. Marquise diamonds pair nicely with so many designed. They are a fantastic center stone for east-west settings, multi-stone rings, and even non-traditional pendants.
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